Understanding the Health System in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Bosnia & Herzegovina has a public healthcare system, known as the Health Insurance Fund of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is available to all citizens and permanent residents. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system, but they must pay out-of-pocket for services. The public healthcare system is used by both locals and foreigners, but it is not recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgery. Public hospitals in Bosnia & Herzegovina are generally of lower quality than private hospitals, and the wait times for appointments can be long. Bosnia & Herzegovina also has a private healthcare system, which is more expensive than the public system but offers higher quality care. Expats primarily use private hospitals, and they are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Bosnia & Herzegovina are generally well-equipped and offer a higher standard of care than public hospitals. Some of the most well-known hospitals in Bosnia & Herzegovina include the University Clinical Center of Sarajevo (public, located in Sarajevo), the Clinical Center of Mostar (public, located in Mostar), and the Clinical Center Banja Luka (public, located in Banja Luka). The University Clinical Center of Sarajevo specializes in cardiology, while the Clinical Center of Mostar specializes in oncology. The most popular private health insurers in Bosnia & Herzegovina are Bosna Insurance, Euroherc Insurance, and Wiener Stadtische Insurance. These companies offer a range of health insurance plans, including basic coverage and comprehensive coverage. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, rather than specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Bosnia & Herzegovina: How to Navigate the Health System

"Medical services in Bosnia & Herzegovina are generally of a good standard, with a wide range of both public and private healthcare facilities available. The country has a well-developed network of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers, offering a range of services from general practice to specialized care. The country also has a number of highly-trained medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. In addition, the government provides free healthcare to all citizens, and there are a number of health insurance schemes available to cover the cost of medical treatment," commented one member living in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

"Bosnia & Herzegovina has a public healthcare system that provides basic healthcare services to its citizens. The quality of public healthcare in Bosnia & Herzegovina is generally considered to be good, although there are some areas where the quality of care is lower than in other parts of the country. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Bosnia & Herzegovina can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. In addition to the public healthcare system, there are also private healthcare providers in Bosnia & Herzegovina that offer more specialized services," commented one member living in Bosnia & Herzegovina.